Question About Post C-section Tummy

Updated on April 16, 2009
M.H. asks from Dallas, TX
12 answers

For all you mothers who have had c-sections, I have a question. I am a recent new mommy (seven months ago) to my first. I had her via c-section bc she was big (9lb 6oz) and I am small (5'2''). I dont' know if this is normal after a c-section, but my tummy still has not "gone back to normal". In fact, it feels wierd when I touch it, firm (but no muscle definition as I haven't been doing my abs faithfully). I just think its wierd that it's hard still and sometimes I still look like like I am pregnant. Is this because I haven't been doing my abs? Or does it still take time for it to go down? It just seems strange that it is hard. Any other moms have this experience? I know my body will never be the same but I hate the look that I am pregnant still and that my tummy is hard. Thoughts?

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More Answers

M.D.

answers from Dallas on

Everybody's body is different first of all. I always had a little belly, now it's not so little... I've had 3 kids, the last one was c-section. I hate my stomach! First of all I know I can't complain too much because I hate to do ab workouts, however, my mother, grandmother, etc all have pouchy bellies from having babies. My grandmother was a stick, but still had a bit of a belly. I think I come from loose belly skin. I had a friend who only had one kid, but you can barely tell, no stretch marks either.
I've heard girdles and wrapping your tummy does help some. Be faithful doing your ab workouts.
I'm praying for the money for a tummy tuck (LOL), seriously, it's a lot of work and it probably will NEVER look the same again.

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A.T.

answers from Dallas on

After 7 months your belly shouldn't feel hard like that. I had a c-section and within 2 months mine looked fine. You need to get with your doctor & have that looked at.

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H.P.

answers from Dallas on

I had 2 sections and went back to my normal, tiny self after each of them. I was back to 100 pounds after 2 months. Of course, I don't exercise, so I don't expect "abs". The scar is hard and lumpy, but that changes with time. Mine was hardly noticeable after a year or so.

My niece had a vaginal, and it took her over a year to get her body back. It has nothing to do with type of delivery, just pregnancy. It changes our bodies, and every woman is different.

Don't worry.

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K.T.

answers from Dallas on

Well all I have to say is sorry about your bad luck :>. I've had 2 and same thing! I've never had ab definition or anything but I had a decent stomach till I had my c-sections. Now when I touch it (the scar area) it feels almost tingly/numb. And then I don't feel like I have any muscles down there. It's loose and flabby and no matter what I do, I can't get rid of it. I've had several friends say the same thing. But I've also had a friend that said that her last c-section-she asked the doctor for a little tummy tuck and she came out saying she's never looked better. We're hoping for one more and you better believe I'll be asking the doctor! lol.

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A.S.

answers from Lubbock on

Very normal!I had my son almost two years ago and still have quite the pouch.I had a c-section also and i remember calling the doctor about the hardness you are talking about and they said alot of it is scar tissue but that will get better when everything heals completly but it takes time.The belly however in my experience probably wont go awy by it sel.I have given much effort.I was still even kind of sore at 7 months when I would try to do ab work outs it would make me sore around where I had my c section.Anyway i am sure that everything you are going through is normal just hang in there and if it really bothers you can by on of the little thing in the underwear section that goes around your tummy to hold it in they really help alot!!especially until you can get your tummy in to shape again.Other than that pepople can get over it and realize you just had a baby!LOL!Congrats on your little bundle of joy!

N.H.

answers from Dallas on

Is your incision site hard or your actual tummy? I've had two C-sections and only recall my incision site area being hard. It's possible to always have the "pregnant" look after having a C. I lost a lot of weight after having my first C and still never got my tummy back to normal looking like I was able to after having a vaginal delivery. It's funny how the doctors never "warn" us of just how much are tummies change from a C.
I too like M. hope that one day maybe I'll win the lotto or get rich and be able to afford a tummy tuck! : )
I've heard from friends that's truly the only way to repair the damage done to a tummy after a C. Call your OB about the hardness and ask if that's normal, it might be for you because every body is going to heal differntly. Congrats on your baby girl! : )

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M.F.

answers from Dallas on

Sounds like diastasis, which is a separation of the abdominal muscles. Check with your OB. There is also a way to check yourself (just google Diastasis and you'll find ways to diagnose as well as many posts from people with the same condition). I had the same thing after my 3 c-sections. It was like a water balloon was inside. When you pushed in, it bounced right back...no muscle whatsoever protecting the tummy/abdomen. It's much more common than people think...a lot of people have it (at varying degrees), but don't have a name for it...just figure their tummy's a little bigger because they've had a baby/babies.

I totally sympathize with you...It's a real bummer looking SOOO pregnant when you're not! I found exercises on line that were supposed to help as well as articles (and my OB) that stated that NO exercises can bring those muscles back together and that tummy tuck was the only answer. Feel free to private message me if you want more details.

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S.

answers from Dallas on

You msy want to discuss this with your doctor. I had two c-sections, and did not have that problem. It did take a while for the muscles to heal, but I did not have that hard feeling, and was pretty good about doing the exercises (I was determined to never wear elastic pants again!!!).

My concern was about the hard feeling. After my first c-section I had an infection - so you may want to check that out.

Good Luck,
S.

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C.B.

answers from Dallas on

Its going to take some time. Be persistant, it will work out. C sections are a nightmare on abs. :) But since you started early I am sure you will see good results.

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C.C.

answers from Dallas on

Oh honey, you are being waaaay too hard on yourself. My son is 7 months old also, and I had a Caesarean. I am just now getting the feeling in my tummy, let alone the definition I had. I was a runner until my 5th month of pregnancy (long story).

Either way, I am not sure if there is a certain way your tummy should feel, but if you are really concerned, talk to your doctor. I called mine when my incision was swollen the first few months and they assured me I was fine. In fact, I call them often, when I think my body is out of whack. They should be able to address any concerns.

My best advice is to be patient. Unless you are a celebrity mom that has a million dollar trainer that is whipping your body in shape, you probably won't bounce back soon. Remember, you had MAJOR surgery only 7 months ago.

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J.L.

answers from Dallas on

I am also 5'2" and my first C-section son was 9lbs. 3oz. My next C-section is scheduled for May 28th. I started the P90X workout program after about 5 months and lost the tummy pretty quickly. I did have to modify my diet too (but of course I had many cheat days). I'm not sure about the hardness. That doesn't sound right. Maybe you should tell your Dr. about that. I hope everything works out.

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B.P.

answers from Abilene on

Definitely do put a call in to your OBGYN about it being hard.

As far as how it feels otherwise, I had a c-secton almost 6 years ago and I still have no sensations in my lower stomach! My doc said that was normal.

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